Photo Flash: Kretzer Piano Music Foundation Raises $60K at 4th Annual PHYSICIANS TALENT SHOWCASE

The Kretzer Piano Music Foundation presented the 4th annual PHYSICIANS TALENT SHOWCASE (PTS) at The Harriet Himmel Theater on August 18. The event attracted more than 400 fans, raising $60,000 that will enable the nonprofit organization to expand its music education programs for children in need. BroadwayWorld has photos from the evening below!

This year's fun-filled PTS was directed by William Hayes, Producing Artistic Director and founding member of Palm Beach Dramaworks, and featured performances by Dr. Millard Brooks, an anesthesiologist from Naples, who is also an audience-wowing magician and comedian; Dr. John Fernandez, a rock singer and guitarist from Stuart; Dr. Kenneth Fuquay, a classical guitarist from West Palm Beach; Dr. Peggy Hunter, a classical pianist from Boca Raton; Dr. Gordon Johnson from Wellington who returned as a PTS emcee; Dr. Jill Rodila, a talented harpist from Palm Beach Gardens, who played during the pre-concert sponsor party at Brio Tuscan Grille; Dr. Lyda Rodriguez, a ballroom dancer from West Palm Beach; Dr. Thomas Rowe, a bass guitarist from Jupiter; Dr. Robin Shecter, a gifted vocalist from Wellington; Dr. Robin Sykes, a flautist from Jupiter; Dr. Richard Wayne, a comedian from West Palm Beach; Dr. Maureen Whelihan a returning emcee from Wellington; and Dr. Jack Zeltzer of Lake Worth who is a talented drummer.

The one non-medical doctor was Dr. Robin Arrigo, a concert pianist who earned a Doctorate of Musical Arts degree from the University of Miami.

This year's PHYSICIAN TALENTS SHOWCASE also offered knockout performances by cabaret sensation Avery Sommers, gifted violinist Gareth Johnson and three amazing Kretzer Kids: singers Skye Alyssa Friedman and Emily Rynasko, and pianist Zachary Williams.

"The PHYSICIANS TALENT SHOWCASE is part of Kretzer Piano's ongoing 'Music for the Mind' concert series benefitting children's charities and music education," says founder Kretzer-Sayler. "Providing busy Doctors with an opportunity to share their talent in support of our music charity brings joy to our hearts. We are grateful to our sponsors, volunteers and fans, but mostly to these talented physicians. Best of all, collectively the four Showcases have raised more than $200,000 for underprivileged children in Palm Beach County."

KPMF is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing the gift of music to children and seniors. "We are passionate about music being a part of every child's life and the Foundation provides performance opportunities so young artists can share their talents with others," says founder Kathi Kretzer.

In addition to awarding scholarships for music lessons and donating more than 25 pianos to disadvantaged children and local nonprofit organizations, KPMF's popular programs include:

+ The Kretzer Kids, gifted young people who perform 48 concerts every year in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and children's hospitals.

+ The Music for the Mind concert series presented the third Tuesday of every month at CityPlace in West Palm Beach.

+ The headline-grabbing Keys to the Cities campaign that placed 18 whimsically painted pianos in public spots from Jupiter to Delray Beach (and winner of the 2014 Bernays Award for Best Special Event from the Gold Coast PR Council).

+ The annual PHYSICIANS TALENT SHOWCASE featuring up to 20 talented medical doctors that is presented each August and raises much-needed funds for local children's charities and music education.

For more information about KPMF, visit www.kretzerpiano.com/KPMF.

Photo Credit: Tracey Benson Photography